A tale of two generations as young are lonely in lockdown and older people are more supported than ever

The results of the latest survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) build on a wealth of data that has shown a rise in loneliness, which can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the survey shows that young people are generally more optimistic about life returning to normal after lockdown, with almost half expecting to return to their old way of life within six months.

Older people were the least optimistic about life returning to normal - with most believing it would be more than a year, or not at all, and were most worried about how the pandemic would affect their finances.

The effects of the pandemic on schools and universities was the biggest concern for those between 16 and 29. A fifth said their working hours had reduced.

Among the older generation, people were more likely to be looking out for their neighbours and to feel supported by their communities.

The International Longevity Centre’s policy and influencing manager, Lily Parsey said the survey showed clear differences on priorities based on age.

“While younger people are more likely to be worried about schools, universities, work and finances, older people are more likely to be worried about accessing essential products and services and staying safe during the lockdown and beyond – and not surprisingly,” she said.

“But while our priorities might shift in different stages of our lives, our overarching aims seem to stay very much the same, to support those most at risk, to restore our economy and to overcome this virus.”